Well the game tightened up considerably and you also have to factor in that coaches adapt to playing styles over time. Technology has also made it easier for teams to scout one another and as time moves forward, the bell curve of talent starts to flatten out more. Marginal players back then aren't as good as marginal players now. The drop off of talent was steeper.
- NickTheKid87

I guess my point is that it was easier for top end talents back then than it is today. You will never see guys (multiple players that is) in one season hitting 160 points. in 95-96 there were 12 guys who cracked 100 points, 35 who cracked 80.

Reason being, like you said, the marginal players are now solid contributors. You have teams where 6 guys put up 20 goals. You didnt have that then.

In 1996-97 there were 12 40+ goal scorers.. last season there were 4. In 1995-96 there were 18 40+ goal scorers, and 8 50+...

Scoring goals was either easier then, or there were FAR superior players.
- jak521

The emergence of outstanding goalies the likes of Martin Houle, Jeremy Duschene, Jean-Marc Pelletier, and Maxime Ouelett was the reason scoring went down.

I guess my point is that it was easier for top end talents back then than it is today. You will never see guys (multiple players that is) in one season hitting 160 points. in 95-96 there were 12 guys who cracked 100 points, 35 who cracked 80.

Reason being, like you said, the marginal players are now solid contributors. You have teams where 6 guys put up 20 goals. You didnt have that then.
- jak521

Yup. The game has changed considerably. 30 goals is the new 40 goals. We get excited when guy has a 60 point season but that was next to nothing 20 years ago.

GET THESE GUYS TO UNRETIRE!!!!

Well the game tightened up considerably and you also have to factor in that coaches adapt to playing styles over time. Technology has also made it easier for teams to scout one another and as time moves forward, the bell curve of talent starts to flatten out more. Marginal players back then aren't as good as marginal players now. The drop off of talent was steeper.
- NickTheKid87

The Crosby, Ov and Stamkos of yesterday are scoring 50 to 80 goals a season. It was easier back then. They could very well be faster, stronger and more aware of another teams style of play today.

The Crosby, Ov and Stamkos of yesterday are scoring 50 to 80 goals a season. It was easier back then. They could very we'll be faster, stronger and more aware of another teams style of play today.
- SuperSchennBros

The game evolves with time. I would argue that the players of the past were less conditioned than the players today. The average player in 2013 is better than the average player of 1993.

The game evolves with time. I would argue that the players of the past were less conditioned than the players today. The average player in 2013 is better than the average player of 1993.
- NickTheKid87

You guys are pretty much making my point for me.

You guys are pretty much making my point for me.
- SuperSchennBros

Yup I was agreeing with you and adding to your statement.

The game evolves with time. I would argue that the players of the past were less conditioned than the players today. The average player in 2013 is better than the average player of 1993.
- NickTheKid87

The players today are better conditioned.
But the goaltending today is better.
But there's less clutching and grabbing today.
But the defensive schemes are better.
But there's no 2-line pass.
But their sticks break way more often.

For almost everyone argument for today's game being easier, there is a reason against it.

The game evolves with time. I would argue that the players of the past were less conditioned than the players today. The average player in 2013 is better than the average player of 1993.
- NickTheKid87

I just think that guys like Lindros/lemieux/gretzky would destroy in todays league...

I just think that guys like Lindros/lemieux/gretzky would destroy in todays league...
- Philly1980

I think Gretzky's numbers in todays league wouldnt touch his numbers in the 80's. No where even close.

So I think I need more beer for tonight's game.


Hopefully the team paid attention and the woods we were lost in had a tree with a branch which smacked all of them IN THE FACE.

We have the potential. We just need them really working every period, every shift. I've seen some guys clicking but never together.

It's almost like we need trust falls or dodge ball or a rousing round of kum-ba-yah. I don't give a frank I just don't want to be disappointed in them.

The players today are better conditioned.
But the goaltending today is better.
But there's less clutching and grabbing today.
But the defensive schemes are better.
But there's no 2-line pass.
But their sticks break way more often.

For almost everyone argument for today's game being easier, there is a reason against it.
- jmatchett

I'm not saying it's easier or harder, just that it's different.

I think Gretzky's numbers in todays league wouldnt touch his numbers in the 80's. No where even close.
- jak521

You mean he wouldn't put up the same numbers facing tight defensive schemes and goalies playing a superior style with far larger pads?

Point is, a superstar back then would be a superstar today is placed into the same generational pool (i.e. Greztky born the same day as Crosby or Lemeiux the same as Ovechkin). However, the statistical output would vary based on the way the game is played and, to an extent, the league talent pool.

I just think that guys like Lindros/lemieux/gretzky would destroy in todays league...
- Philly1980

They would destroy any league. Those guys were all time greats. But they wouldn't put up the numbers they did when they played. Gretzky couldn't score 200+ points in today's NHL. 130, sure.

I think Gretzky's numbers in todays league wouldnt touch his numbers in the 80's. No where even close.
- jak521

It's pretty clear how offense has changed in this League from the 80's to now. 100 point scorers were common back then. It's a special feat in today's game.

is there a third schenn anywhere?

is there a third schenn anywhere?
- wilsonecho91

Waldo Schenn?

is there a third schenn anywhere?
- wilsonecho91

And a 4th. They have two younger sisters.

I think Gretzky's numbers in todays league wouldnt touch his numbers in the 80's. No where even close.
- jak521

In todays game, less is more. In yesterdays game, bigger was better.

You mean he wouldn't put up the same numbers facing tight defensive schemes and goalies playing a superior style with far larger pads?

Point is, a superstar back then would be a superstar today is placed into the same generational pool (i.e. Greztky born the same day as Crosby or Lemeiux the same as Ovechkin). However, the statistical output would vary based on the way the game is played and, to an extent, the league talent pool.
- jmatchett

Absolutely, no doubt about it.. He would be right there with Crosby and co.

I do think though, that different times breed different players. Crosby back in the 80's would be scary to think about.

It's pretty clear how offense has changed in this League from the 80's to now. 100 point scorers were common back then. It's a special feat in today's game.
- MJL

Its a more complete game today.

Its a more complete game today.
- jak521

goalies are a lot better

They would destroy any league. Those guys were all time greats. But they wouldn't put up the numbers they did when they played. Gretzky couldn't score 200+ points in today's NHL. 130, sure.
- NickTheKid87

Let's take those mid 80s Oilers team and plop them down in this league. They would ravage it. It would be ridiculous. No hooking, no holding, no two line pass... pffft!

What we have in this league are three or four good teams, three or four bad teams and 24 mediocre teams.

Absolutely, no doubt about it.. He would be right there with Crosby and co.

I do think though, that different times breed different players. Crosby back in the 80's would be scary to think about.
- jak521

Crosby is 4th in points per game in his career at 1.400 (behind Gretzky, Lemieux and Bossy respectively) which is 115 points per 82 games. 99 tallied over 2 points per game through his first 8 seasons. Gotta think Sid would be around there too.